Friday 29 July 2011

Integral de los tres mil



This is a traverse of the main ridge of the Sierra Nevada taking in the 3000m summits.  Mike and Jane from Mountain House hosted a party of 5 from Scotland for their guided version of this trek supported by Rik and Dominic (ML trainees) who carried the tents and stoves.
The group were all keen Munroists, who had decided to turn their hands (or feet!) to the Sierra Nevada's equivalent.  The ridge was gained from Trevelez, near Puerto Trevelez.  Ascents were made of: Cerro Pelado (3182m), Puntal de Juntillas (3143m), Picon de Jerez (3088m), El Contadero (3099m), Puntal de los Cuartos o de la Atalaya (3154m), La Mojanera (3135m), Pico de la Justica O de la Atalya (3141m), Atalaya del Cuervo O Pico Cuervo (3147m), Cerro del Mojon Alto (3117m), Puntal de Vacares (3144m), Alcazaba (3369m), Mulhacen (3479m) the highest mountain in mainland Spain, Pico del Veleta (3396m) and Cerro del Caballo (3011m) Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak.

The trip spent 6 days walking with 3 nights camping and 2 nights in huts.  The nights before and after the trek were spent in a hotel in the Spa Town of Lanjaron.

It should be noted that there are different maps to the area and some mountains are named differently and the heights vary from map to map!

Although “work” for the Mountain House team, this was a most pleasurable week spent with good company.